Algerian Boxing Federation Joins World Boxing to Save Olympic Status
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Loading... - Archie Bailey
- 23 Sep 2024
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The Algerian boxing federation, home to Olympic champion Imane Khelif, has joined World Boxing, a global organization working to save the sport's place at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. This move brings the total membership of World Boxing to 44 federations, with more countries' applications being processed.
Boxing's Olympic status is uncertain due to years of turmoil with the International Boxing Association (IBA). The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has set a deadline of early next year for a credible governing body to be in place. The Russian-led IBA was formally banished by the IOC in June 2023, and its dispute with the IOC flared up at the Paris Games.
Imane Khelif, along with another female gold medalist, Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan, was caught up in a global controversy and misinformation about their gender. The IBA had disqualified them ahead of medal bouts at the 2023 women's world championships over claims they failed eligibility tests. However, the IOC supported the boxers, and they qualified for the Olympics.
World Boxing has been working with the IOC to become the recognized governing body. The organization's president, Boris van der Vorst, stated that the decision by Algeria and Japan to join World Boxing "is further evidence of the widespread desire for change that exists across our sport" and highlights the importance of retaining boxing's place at the heart of the Olympic movement.
